Vision Quest
The day before Spirit told Lance that they were going on a journey. They walked for a day before coming to an isolated spot near a hill. "What is this?" Lance asked.
"This is where you must go on a journey," Spirit told him. "A vision quest. You are in need of guidance I cannot give. You must ask the Creator for that."
"I…I don't know," Lance said. "I've never really prayed much before. I don't even know if I even believe in…well…"
"That is why you are here," Spirit told him. "You have a connection with the earth that goes beyond your powers. But you cannot reach your full potential until you understand yourself."
Lance looked at him. "What do I have to do?"
"Set up camp here while I prepare," Spirit told him. "You will learn when the time is right."
Lance did so, setting up the tent and preparing a small fire. It was well after dark when Spirit came back. "The camp's all set. So does this Vision Quest thing begin now?"
"No," Spirit told him. "Not yet. Right now you must rest. Tomorrow will be a long and hard day."
Lance did as he was told. After dinner he went to bed in the tent. He fell asleep almost immediately. The next thing he knew, Spirit was shaking him awake.
"Spirit?" Lance muttered sleepily. "What's going on?"
"It is time to go," Spirit told him. He held a blanket on one arm.
"Now?" He blinked as he woke to darkness. "It's still dark out."
"Come," Spirit told him. Lance did as he was told and followed him outside.
"Spirit?" Lance rubbed his eyes. "Is this part of my training? What do you want me to do?"
Spirit pointed to the hill. "Upon the hill there is a circle made of stones. The circle represents the circle of life, with no beginning and no end. That is where you must be."
"For how long?" Lance asked.
"As long as it takes. You must go to the hill and sit within the sacred area," Spirit told him what to do. "During this period of time you will not have any food or water or clothing. You must be as you came into the world, naked, having nothing but this blanket to protect yourself. Within the circle you must sit and pray. Pray until it physically hurts you. Ask for guidance. Ask for healing. Ask for your purpose in this world. In time, the spirits will guide you."
"Are you serious?" Lance blinked. "You are. Will this really work?"
"That is up to you," Spirit told him handing him the blanket. "Go. I will collect you when the time is right." He went inside the tent.
Lance stood there and put the blanket down. He stripped off his clothing, putting them into a neat pile. He even removed his boots and socks and underwear. Shivering slightly he wrapped the blanket around him and looked up into the morning sky. Dawn was beginning to break. He walked up the hill, more than a little nervous of what he would find. Or what he wouldn't find.
He managed to find the circle on the top of the hill, illuminated by several torches. "I must be crazy," Lance said. "But…well here goes nothing." He knelt down within the circle.
"Okay," He gulped. "Here goes. I'm not good at this. I've rarely ever prayed before. I'm not even sure that I even believe that there's someone or something out there. But if there is…please listen to me. I need help. Now more than ever. Of course so far I haven't exactly had a great track record with divine intervention. I mean take a look at my life for crying out loud! For as long as I can remember I've been abandoned and abused. How…how could anyone let that happen to a kid? How could you? Didn't you care? Not that it wouldn't surprise me if you didn't. Story of my life. But now…I don't know. Things are different. I'm different in more ways than one."
Silence answered him. "I would never have asked this before. So I'm asking you now," Lance said his voice a small plea. "Help me. Please listen to me and help me. I'm weak. I realize that now. I don't want to stay this way. I want to change but I don't know how. I don't even know if I can. Help me. Please. Help me."
He knelt there, silently praying. He stayed like that long after the sun had risen. He waited and waited. As it grew hotter Lance allowed the blanket to slip from his shoulders past his hips. And still he waited.
Time still passed. The hot sun beat down upon Lance as he knelt within the circle of stones upon the blanket. He struggled to remain awake as he felt the heat oppress him. Still he waited without complaint, still quietly praying for guidance.
More time passed. It grew even hotter as the sun made its journey across the sky. Lance sank under the heat. He fell forward, collapsing on his elbows. "Help me…" He whispered softly. "Please help me…"
"Well if you wanted help why didn't you say so?" A familiar voice rang out.
"What?" Lance sat up and looked around. "I know that voice! Who's there?"
"Over here! No over here!" The voice sang out around him. Lance looked around wildly. Then he found himself face to face with the individual. Or rather, face to snout.
"Hi Lance!" The Coyote said cheerfully. "I'm ba-ack!"
"Oh no," Lance moaned. "Not you. Anything but you! What are you doing here?"
"I told you I was your spirit guide," The Coyote said. "You don't listen very well do you?"
"Why did I end up with an insane coyote spirit that sounds exactly like Pietro?" Lance groaned. "Haven't I been tortured enough?"
"Apparently not," The Coyote said. "So how's tricks?"
"Oh just peachy!" Lance snarled. "I'm sitting here in the desert naked and dying of dehydration just to find some guidance in my pathetic life! What do you think?"
"Oh yeah," The Coyote nodded. "The old vision quest thing. That's always such fun. Now let's see, what is it that I need to tell you?" He whipped out a notebook. "Let me review my notes."
"Oh God," Lance put his head into his hands.
"He's busy. So pay attention," The Coyote said.
"I can't wait to hear this," Lance grumbled. "You were such a help the last time!"
"Oh come on now," The Coyote said. "Other than nearly dying a couple of times and being forced to relive a few very painful memories it wasn't that bad!"
"Are you crazy?" Lance snapped. "No wait, he's a figure of my imagination. I'm the one who's crazy! Wonderful! So this is what it's like to lose your mind. Ha!"
"Ahem!" The Coyote sniffed. "Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of their country…No wait that was somebody else," He kept flipping through the notes. "Hang on I'm sure you're in here somewhere."
"Well if I ever needed proof that my life was one big joke this is it!" Lance shouted.
"Hey I'm doing the best I can!" The Coyote snapped.
"Oh that really fills me with confidence!" Lance snapped back. "Will you just tell me some words of wisdom already and get me out of here?"
"Okay how about don't stay out in the sun too long without any sunscreen?" The Coyote snickered.
"I'm serious," Lance frowned. "Frightening as that sounds I need some help."
"Well that's pretty obvious."
"Look are you actually going to help me or are you just going to sit there insulting me?" Lance snapped.
"Hey let's face it," The Coyote said. "You are a fun target. But seriously let's get right down to the nitty gritty! You have come seeking guidance on what to do with your pathetic life so I shall help you."
"That will be a first," Lance grumbled.
"So let's talk!" The Coyote lay face down and put its face in its paws. "Let's hear the scoop on you and Kitty!"
"Oh for crying out loud!" Lance snapped.
"Well why not? You keep moaning about her anyway!" The Coyote told him. "Why did you stay so stuck on her for so long?"
"I don't know," Lance sighed. "I just thought that she really cared about me. But I guess I was too much trouble for her."
"Well you're a lot of trouble for him," The Coyote pointed behind him. "But he still cares about you."
"Huh?" Lance looked behind him. In the distance he could see a fire down below.
"He's been sitting there praying for you since you got here," The Coyote told him. "And he's not the only one worried. Your lunatic friends are worried about you too. Think about it Rockhead, they're here with you. They always will be. I'm not gonna talk in riddles because they'll pass over your head. You kept holding onto Kitty because you wanted someone special to care about you. That's why you did all those stupid things just to get some attention. As corny as it sounds, what you've always wanted was a family to love you. I think you've finally found it. Don't screw it up."
"I do love them," Lance shook his head. "It's crazy. They're all maniacs."
"Well you're not exactly a modicum of sanity yourself," The Coyote went to leave. "Just think about it okay?"
"I guess Kitty never really loved me at all," Lance sighed.
"I don't know about that," The Coyote made a mischievous grin. "Sure she's with The Tin Man now, but when she thought you were in danger she dropped everything to help you. Think about it."
Lance sat there stunned. "Of course I wouldn't hold your breath waiting for her to come back to you," The Coyote told him. " Just keep your eyes and options open for now. Maybe there will be a day when she will come back. Or a day when you don't want her back. Maybe you'll find something better. See ya around sucker!" The Coyote disappeared.
Lance knelt there, staring into oblivion. He remained like that until the sun went down. Spirit came up the hill and found him curled into a ball, the blanket wrapped around his body. Spirit knelt next to him and gently roused him. He placed a canteen near his lips and allowed the boy to drink. Slowly Lance came to some sort of awakened state.
Weakly Lance managed to get to his feet, barely keeping the blanket around him. He slumped into Spirit's arms as he helped him down the hill. He felt another pair of arms take hold of him. It was Stormshadow.
They took him to an awaiting jeep and placed him inside. The campsite had been cleaned and packed. Soon they drove off. Lance lay in the backseat, pulling the blanket close to his body. His mind still reeling from his experience.
Not long after they came upon a cavern. They stopped the jeep and helped Lance out of the vehicle. He saw the Blind Master at the entrance.
"Everything is prepared inside," The Blind Master told him.
Spirit nodded. "I will take him in myself. This part is between the two of us."
They nodded and allowed Spirit to lead Lance inside. Soon Lance found himself near a strange cavern with a roaring fire and a bubbling spring. "Another hot spring?" Lance blinked. "Boy you guys have them everywhere don't you?"
"Sit," Spirit told him, pointing to the edge of the bonfire. "Now you must tell me of your vision."
"It wasn't exactly what I expected," Lance obeyed. He told him everything that happened. "Lame huh?"
"No," Spirit shook his head. "Actually it's pretty direct in it's own way. What have you learned from this experience?"
"Well besides the fact that I'm more messed up than I thought," Lance sighed. "I've learned that what I truly desire I now have."
"But that is not enough is it?" Spirit told him.
"No," Lance sighed. "Please help me Sensei. I need guidance."
"And thus it begins," Spirit nodded.
Spirit spoke with him more that night and taught him songs of healing. When hours had passed, then Lance was given a simple tea to drink. Finally he was allowed to bathe in the hot spring and change into a pair of clothes. He wore a black shirt and pants and a tan jacket.
He felt stronger, more in control of himself. He nodded to Spirit and they left the cavern. The sun was starting to rise again. Stormshadow and The Blind Master were waiting for them. "How do you feel?" The Blind Master asked.
"Not bad," Lance told him. "A bit tired though."
"That's to be expected," Stormshadow told him.
"Are all vision quests like that?" Lance asked.
"Actually most of them are much longer," Spirit told him. "But we felt for you a day would be sufficient as your beginning."
"Oh so it's gonna get harder huh?" Lance groaned. "Wonderful."
"Come on now," Spirit handed him the blanket he wore. "It's time we went back. There will be a celebration waiting for us. It is traditional after a vision quest to have a gathering of family and friends to welcome you back to the world after your rebirthing. Take this blanket and give it to someone who has helped you greatly."
"Will you take it?" Lance asked offering it to him.
Spirit smiled. "Although it is traditional to give gifts to the shaman I cannot accept it. It is a gift enough to train you. You must give it to someone who has helped you greatly among your journey. I appreciate the offer though."
"Oh, I understand," Lance nodded. "I have to give it to one of my friends who's helped me the most. I get it."
Spirit patted him on the shoulder. "Let's go. They'll be waiting for us."
They went to the jeep and they drove back to the Slaughterhouse. There they found all the inhabitants waiting for them. "SURPRISE!" They all shouted out. There were some decorations and food.
"Wow look at all this stuff," Lance looked around. "This is a real party!"
"Yeah let's get this party swinging!" Pietro turned on the radio and started to dance.
"Party! Party! Party!" The Renegades sang out.
"Who wants smoothies?" Tauros shouted out.
"Ooh! I want some!" Shipwreck called out.
As everyone was clamoring for food and drinks, Spirit gave Lance some broth to eat. "Wow I can't believe you guys went to all this trouble for me," Lance said as he sipped his broth.
"We tried to make a cake for you," Todd said. "But that kinda didn't work so we got ice cream and cookies instead! Want some?"
"No thanks," Lance waved. "I'm fine with this," He pointed to his broth.
"That's all you're going to have?" Todd asked.
"Yeah, I really don't feel up to eating much," Lance told him.
"His system can't take much after what he's been through," Spirit told him.
"That's okay," Todd nodded. "We'll save it for him. If Freddy doesn't eat it all."
"I will not!" Fred said with his mouth full.
Lance then felt very tired and dizzy. "Hey is it okay if I just sit outside for a bit?" Lance asked. Sprit nodded and helped him outside. There were several lawn chairs that had been put out there and he helped him into one of them. "Thanks."
"Do you want me to sit with you?" Spirit asked.
"Nah," Lance shook his head. He was still holding the blanket. "I'll be okay. Just want to think for a bit. That's all."
Spirit nodded and went back inside. Lance took a deep breath and relaxed. He looked up at the stars in the sky and started to think about his experience. Not long after others noticed that the guest of honor was not in the party.
"Hey," Wanda walked up to him. "Feeling better?"
"Yeah," Lance nodded. "Look at all the stars up there. I never saw so many. Even all the time we were up in Asteroid M I never really noticed."
"Yeah there are a lot of 'em aren't there?" Todd hopped out and crouched next to Lance.
"Yeah," Wanda looked up. "I love looking at the stars. It's just so peaceful. Back in…the hospital I almost never saw them. When I did…" She sighed.
"Makes you feel kinda small doesn't it?" Todd asked.
"Well you're always small," Lance smirked. He took a playful swipe at Todd.
Todd ducked and playfully punched him. "Ha ha, so Mister Funny Man, did you discover anything on your spiritual journey or did you get lost?"
"Actually I did," Lance told him. "It's…kind of dumb."
"Please tell me it had nothing to do with Kitty," Wanda groaned.
"In a way it did," Lance said. "All my life I've felt so empty. Now I don't feel that way anymore. I realized what I wanted more than anything was having someone who loved me. Stupid huh?"
"Nah," Todd shook his head. "Just totally insane."
"Yeah well," Lance sighed. "I've never been…happy before. Even when all of you nuts are driving me crazy…it just feels right. Like we're a family. I don't know how it happened. I guess I just got used to all of you. I even like Xi a little."
"Well we've all been through so much," Todd shrugged. "Hey you remember the day the two of us first met?"
"How could I forget?" Lance laughed.
"What happened?" Wanda asked.
"Let's just say Mystique found out the hard way its not a good idea to leave the Toad unsupervised for very long," Lance laughed.
"I hate to admit it but I've actually become quite fond of you clowns," Wanda sat down on a chair nearby. "When I first met you I thought you were the biggest idiots on the planet."
"And now?" Lance asked.
"Now I know you are the biggest idiots on the planet," She said. "But you guys kind of grew on me. Even you Toad."
"Little late," Althea walked up. "He's mine." She gave Todd a big hug from behind.
"Aw babe," Todd blushed.
"Hey Toad. Here," Lance handed Todd his blanket. "I want you to have this."
"Really?" Todd asked. "For me?"
"Yeah I want you to have it," Lance said. "In a way, I owe my life to you. We all do. I mean if you hadn't found the Joes, they'd probably have never crossed paths with us. We'd never be here."
"He's got a point," Wanda said.
"I can't imagine my life now without you," Althea said.
"Wow, thanks pal," Todd said. "That really means somethin'. Ya know?"
"Yeah," Lance yawned.
"You okay?" Todd asked.
"Yeah I'm fine," Lance told him. "Just a little tired, that's all."
"Hey what's everybody doing out here?" Pietro zipped outside. Fred followed him.
"Just taking a rest," Althea said.
"Lance where are you?" Quinn called out.
"Here he is!" Daria said. Soon all three triplets were outside.
"What's going on?" Xi asked. "Why are you all outside?"
"Just looking at the stars Xi," Lance told him.
"Okay!" Quinn sat down on Lance's lap. "We'll look together!"
"Me too!" Daria climbed on the other side of Lance. "Good thing these things are big and sturdy!"
"Will you two maniacs knock it off!" Althea snapped.
"Oh leave them alone," Lance waved. "I don't mind. They're not bothering me."
Quinn stuck her tongue out as she snuggled next to Lance. "Nyahhh!"
"I thought you liked me?" Pietro asked.
"I do," Quinn said. "But I'm too young to be tied down to one guy."
"I'll stay with you Pietro!" Brittany squealed as she pounced on top of Pietro.
"Wanna piggy back ride?" Pietro asked.
"YEAH!" Brittany whooped as Pietro ran around the house a few times. "That was fun! I'm dizzy, but it's fun!"
All the kids sat down on either the grass or the ground. "This is nice," Todd yawned as he lay back in Althea's arms.
"Can we all just stay like this tonight?" Lance asked them. "It just feels, I dunno, the right thing to do. Being with my family out under the stars."
"It's not so bad out," Wanda said. "I think we can do it."
Althea got up and Todd fell down on the ground. "Hey!"
"Relax! I just want to make sure these guys are okay," Althea told him as she pulled a blanket over Lance and her two sisters. "Couple of blankets ought to do it."
Pietro nodded and zipped inside. He came back out with some blankets and pillows. Brittany squealed with delight as she snuggled on one side of Pietro. Wanda laughed and cuddled next to her brother. Fred lay down flat on the ground next to Lance's chair.
Xi innocently snuggled next to Wanda. "It does feel right. And safe."
"Well I'm certainly safe next to you Xi," Wanda chuckled.
"You've never been that tolerant when I ever tried to get close to you?" Todd frowned.
"Yeah well Xi isn't the hormone crazed idiot you are," She told him.
The adults inside were enjoying their time away from the kids. Roadblock and Shipwreck watched them from inside the house. "Look at them," Roadblock motioned.
"Yeah they are kind of cute when they ain't destroying half the landscape," Shipwreck noted. "Well that trip out in the desert seemed to do Lance a lot of good."
"And it did the kids some good as well," Roadblock told him. "Maybe for once things are going our way."